Nikkei Asia recently published an article vividly portraying Hanoi’s captivating charm, from its bustling morning scenes to its rich culinary traditions and historical landmarks.

Titled “Strolling through Hanoi: Celebrating the city's charm, street food, and historical relics,” the piece, written by Zinara Rathnayake and published on March 1, 2024, opens with a lively depiction of a December morning in Hanoi.

The author describes witnessing "a vibrant and bustling Hanoi awakening to a new day" with street vendors cycling past, their bikes overflowing with roses, chrysanthemums, and tulips.

Nearby, elderly women perform cheerful morning dances around Hoan Kiem Lake, while office workers in suits enjoy steaming bowls of pho on plastic stools along the sidewalk.

The Old Quarter is brought to life with images of skilled jewelers engraving intricate designs on Hang Bac Street and Hang Ma Street transforming into a "winter wonderland" during Christmas.

According to the article, “Hanoi welcomed four million international visitors in 2023, many of whom stayed in the lively 36 streets of the Old Quarter.”

Hanoi’s culinary appeal

The article emphasizes that Hanoi’s cuisine is an inseparable part of its charm, highlighting iconic dishes such as pho, banh xeo, cha ca lang, bun cha, banh mi, and banh khuc.

Rathnayake describes Vietnamese cuisine as “a perfect balance of sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and spicy flavors.” She explains that her desire to introduce Vietnamese cuisine to a broader audience inspired her journey through Hanoi.

“Coffee seems to flow through the veins of the Vietnamese people,” she writes, noting its ubiquitous presence in the capital. Hanoi’s coffee culture boasts a variety of unique creations, including egg coffee, salted coffee, and yogurt coffee.

Must-try experiences in Hanoi

The author also provides recommendations for visitors, listing essential activities such as:

Taking a walking tour to learn about Vietnam’s history

Visiting Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Exploring the Temple of Literature

Watching a water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

Spending half a day at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

For food lovers, she suggests joining a street food tour, trying egg coffee, and strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake for an authentic Hanoi experience.

Do An